CLAIRE LORRAINE MACKAY (nee Bacchus) December 21, 1930 - August 11, 2013 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Claire Lorraine Mackay early on the morning of August 11.Left to cherish her memory are her husband of sixty years, Jackson Mackay, and her three sons, Ian (Eden Mohler), Scott (Joanie), and Grant (MaryAnne). She also leaves behind her older brother, Grant Bacchus (Joan), grandchildren Ryder (April Lee), Susannah and Katherine Mackay, Colin and Jessica Mackay, Paul Charuk (Jason Sharman) and many nieces and nephews.As a renowned Canadian writer of both children's and young-adult fiction and nonfiction, Claire will be missed by her many fans and numerous friends, colleagues, and associates in the children's publishing field.She was co-founding member of CANSCAIP, the Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators, and Performers, an achievement of which she was particularly proud. She was the author of ten books, and the editor or contributor to a number of others. She was also a columnist for several years, and was the recipient of five prestigious literary awards, including the Vicki Metcalf Award for her body of work, and the Norma Fleck Award for her entertaining history of the city of Toronto, The Toronto Story.Claire achieved her Honours BA in Political Science from the University of Toronto, and completed one year of study toward a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of British Columbia. She later worked as a medical social worker in Regina, Saskatchewan. She was industrial librarian for United Steelworkers, in Toronto, in the 1970s. Navigating her life with love, grace, generosity, and a sense of humour which not even those who knew her briefly will forget, she embraced the roles of wife, mother, grandmother, friend and major children's writer with a lasting impact that will stay with us forever.A private family memorial honouring Claire's life will be held in September. The family welcomes condolences and tributes which may be sent to rememberclairemackay@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SickKids Foundation. For more information visit: www.sickkidsfoundation.com